Free cycling activities in the South East
Welcome to The Big Bike Revival in the South East
This page is your gateway to The Big Bike Revival – Cycling UK’s flagship programme. Across towns and cities in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and beyond, you’ll find beginner-friendly support, from bike checks and confidence-boosting rides to maintenance tips and social sessions. No Lycra, no pressure and no experience needed.
Meet your Cycling Development Officer
Whether you’re new to cycling or looking to build your confidence, your Cycling Development Officer (CDO) is here to help.
Lynnette Evans supports individuals and communities across the South East to get cycling – offering friendly advice, practical support and connections to local events and activities. She helps coordinate Big Bike Revival sessions across Hampshire, Reading, East Sussex, West Sussex and surrounding areas, including bike checks, basic maintenance, learn-to-ride sessions and welcoming group rides.
If you’re looking for support, want to take part or just have a question about cycling in your area, Lynette would love to hear from you.
Hello! I’m Lynnette, and I love supporting people to discover the joy of cycling across the South East – a region full of vibrant communities, coastal views and stunning countryside.
From the urban edges of Greater London to the peaceful beauty of the South Downs and New Forest, there’s so much to explore. Whether you’re riding to the shops, along the coast or through your local park, cycling here is about freedom, connection and discovery.
The Big Bike Revival helps remove the barriers that stop people from riding – whether it’s not knowing how to fix a bike, lacking confidence or simply not knowing where to start. Our free sessions make it easier and more inclusive for everyone to give cycling a go.
Urban road layouts can feel daunting, especially for new or returning cyclists – but that’s exactly why these events are so powerful. They give people the skills, confidence and practical support to ride safely and feel good doing it.
One story that always sticks with me is Laura’s. She first came to a Big Bike Revival ride in Southampton during the Covid recovery period, nervous about cycling with her young son.
That first ride sparked a transformation – she gained confidence, made friends,and went on to lead rides herself. Today, she works at Monty’s Bike Hub helping others do the same.
So why come along to a Big Bike Revival event? You might meet someone just like you, give each other a boost, and learn new skills – whether it’s fixing a puncture or going on your first group ride. It’s a chance to feel healthier, happier and more connected.
What I love most is seeing that moment when someone realises “I can do this.” The smile when they ride a bike for the first time in years or find a new route they didn’t know existed – that’s what makes this work so rewarding.
What’s happening near you
We’re working with friendly local organisations across the South East to offer:
Basic bike repair sessions
- Get a quick repair, puncture fix or safety check by an experienced mechanic – free of charge. Perfect if your bike needs a little TLC.
- Learn what to expect at a free basic bike repair session.
Learn basic bike maintenance
- Want to learn how to fix a puncture or adjust your brakes? Our friendly basic bike maintenance sessions give you the hands-on skills to keep your bike running smoothly.
- Learn what to expect at a learn basic bike maintenance session.
Learn-to-ride sessions
- Whether you’ve never cycled before or want to brush up your skills after time away, we’ll help you build confidence at your own pace.
- Learn what to expect at a learn-to-ride session.
Join a local group ride
- Explore local parks, cycle paths and quiet roads with experienced ride leaders. Go at your own pace, meet friendly people and build confidence on the move.
- Learn what to expect at a local group ride session.
This video gives you a quick taster of what to expect at a Big Bike Revival session. For more details, just click the links above.
Who it’s for
These sessions are open to adults aged 18+, especially if:
- You’re new to cycling
- Haven’t ridden in years
- Don’t feel confident cycling alone
- Your bike needs a check-up or fix
- You want to cycle more for health, fun or everyday journeys
No special clothes, experience or equipment needed – just turn up and we’ll support you.
Who’s running events in your area?
These free adult cycling sessions in the South East wouldn’t be possible without the brilliant local organisations we partner with to deliver The Big Bike Revival – passionate teams who go the extra mile to help their communities get cycling. Click on the contact details below to find out when your next session is happening.
Monty’s Bike Hub and The Big Bike Revival
For the past 10 years, Monty’s Bike Hub in east Southampton has been empowering more people to cycle – with the support of The Big Bike Revival.
From free bike safety checks at Weston Shore and Bitterne Precinct, to adult cycle training, maintenance workshops and inclusive group rides, Monty’s is at the heart of local cycling.
The Big Bike Revival doesn’t just provide funding – it helps Monty’s engage with the community, build confidence and make cycling accessible to everyone. Whether it’s at a local event like Let’s Ride Southampton or through day-to-day support at the hub, Monty’s is creating real, lasting change.
Watch the video to see how Monty’s Bike Hub is making a difference, one ride at a time.
What people say
Since 2015, thousands of people across the South East have benefited from The Big Bike Revival. Here are just some inspiring stories of how cycling has made a difference.
Matthew: From rider to Real Yellow Jersey winner
In Plymouth, Matthew found more than just a bike through Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival – he found purpose.
Starting out by signposting others to local events at Bikespace, a community bike workshop, Matthew soon became a passionate cycling advocate. Bikespace supports young people and vulnerable adults, including newly arrived refugees through partnerships like Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support.
After attending a Big Bike Revival learn-to-ride event and completing a maintenance course, Matthew rediscovered his confidence, switching from car ownership to cycling, and channelling his energy into mentoring others – especially people dealing with addiction, mental health issues and social isolation.
Cycling gave me freedom, connection, joy It’s more than transport – it’s identity, belonging and change
Now volunteering at Bikespace, Matthew helps others build skills, hope and healthier lives through cycling. His journey earned him one of our Real Yellow Jersey awards, recognising 10 individuals making a lasting difference in their communities through cycling.
Judith: Finding joy after loss through cycling
After caring for her mother with dementia for seven years, Judith faced deep loneliness following her mother’s death in 2017. Seeking connection and healing, she returned to cycling for the first time in over 15 years – joining Big Bike Revival rides run by Transition Southampton.
The gentle pace, quiet routes and welcoming atmosphere helped Judith rebuild her confidence and find community. “It was a real sisterhood,” she said. “You get on a bike, pedal away, and come home feeling proud – you’ve kept fit, made friends and enjoyed yourself.”
Cycling became a source of strength. Now working part time in elderly care, Judith continues to ride regularly, supported by the vibrant cycling network in Southampton.
There are lots of amazing things out there. The support from other women has been wonderful
Laura: From nervous commuter to community cycling champion
Laura, a single mum from Southampton, once dreaded her daily bike ride to work. But today, she’s a Ride Leader at Monty’s Bike Hub, inspiring women and building community through cycling — and a proud winner of Cycling UK’s Real Yellow Jersey award.
Her journey began during the pandemic, when she joined a small group ride led by Monty’s founder, Josh. Nervous at first, Laura quickly found support and encouragement. “They didn’t care that I was new or unsteady. They just welcomed me in.”
With support from Cycling UK, she trained as a Ride Leader and now helps lead rides, run workshops, and welcome people of all ages — from 18 to 90 — into the saddle. She also runs ladies-only rides, helping women overcome confidence barriers and discover the joy of riding.
Cycling helped me through dark times. It’s freedom, connection, and confidence. I want others to feel that too
Whether riding in everyday clothes or chatting over coffee stops, Laura shows that cycling isn’t about speed or Lycra — it’s about community, mental health, and belonging. Her work is now inspiring people across the UK.
I’m just a single mum who wanted to make a difference. If I’ve helped someone get out of the house and onto a bike, then I’ve done something right
Ready to take part?
Browse free sessions, meet your local cycling group and discover how The Big Bike Revival can help you get pedalling again – with confidence. Have questions? Contact Lynnette Evans – she will be happy to help you.
Believe in yourself and have the courage to take that first step. You’ll be warmly welcomed, and there’ll be someone on hand to answer any questions and help you feel at ease
